County outdoor activities planned

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on March 13, 2009 1:46 PM

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A full schedule of outdoors activities will take place in Wayne County this weekend.

The weekend begins with the District 3 hunter's safety tournament on Saturday at Camp Tuscarora in Bentonville. The day-long event is presented by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

Participants have the opportunity to showcase outdoor skills and demonstrate safety. The district tournament tests teams and individuals in rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader and archery marksmanship. An orienteering challenge, wildlife knowledge and hunter safety skills is also part of the test.

Participants at this year's nine district tournaments across North Carolina have been asked to wear something pink during competition to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

"This is another way to salute the late Coach Kay Yow and bring more attention and support for battling this disease," said Travis Casper, the state's assistant hunter education coordinator. "Considering the involvement we get across the state with these tournaments, it seems fitting."

Yow, a Hall of Fame coach at N.C. State, died Jan. 24 after a long battle with cancer. Since her diagnosis in 1987, Yow had been active in efforts to raise cancer awareness.

Coaches, competitors and event volunteers this year will receive a commemorative pink and white pin for participating.

A component of the Hunter Education Program, the competition is open to teams from middle and high schools, both public and private. Home-schooled students and teams representing organizations such as 4-H or FFA also can compete, provided they meet eligibility requirements.

For the sportsman more suited for the water, E-Z Bait and Tackle will host the 4th annual Old Waynesboro Shad fishing tournament on Saturday.

Hickory and White Shad will be prized possessions as anglers take to the Neuse River. The team with the heaviest total creel weight will be the winner. Prizes will also be awarded to the heaviest shad and the largest Hickory.

All teams must be registered prior to blast off at 8 a.m. The entry fee for this year's event is $25.

On a more leisurely note, the annual Spring Paddle will hit the river at Cliffs of the Neuse State Park on Saturday and Sunday. There will be an introduction to canoeing class at 2 p.m. on the lake Saturday for those interested in learning the basics.

Sunday's river trip will begin at Broadhurst Bridge off Hwy. 111. Boaters are reminded to dress for the weather and registration is limited to the first 10 signees. Canoes, life vests and paddles will be provided.

For more information, telephone the park office at (919) 778-6234.